Halfway between Wilmington and Jacksonville is Hampstead, an unincorporated town in Pender County that's growing at a rapid pace. The population grew over 70% between 2010 and 2020, and people continue to move in for this coastal community’s schools, nearby beaches and proximity to larger cities. “A lot of people prefer to be close to Surf City,” says Tom Gale, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage who has also been a resident in the Wilmington area since 1994. “Hampstead is close to Jacksonville and Wilmington for employment, hospitals, shopping and whatever else people are looking for.”
Hampstead is considered a bedroom community because many residents travel out of town for work. Some military members stationed at Camp Lejune live in Hampstead and commute north to the Marine base in Jacksonville. Anyone who works in health care, manufacturing or technology often drives south to Wilmington.
Topsail Beach near Hampstead is a popular beach locals go to for a peaceful jog.
Hampstead residents who work in healthcare at Novant Health have a short commute to work.
Discover waterfront living with coastal home styles and private docks in Hampstead.
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New homes with more on the way
Craftsman and Cape Cod-style homes are concentrated to the east of U.S. Highway 17, and thick forests stretch along the west side. The median price is around $524,000, higher than the $406,100 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Homes with private boat docks are often the most expensive options, while more inland properties start in the $400,000s. New construction is a constant part of Hampstead life. “You’re definitely seeing the area between Jacksonville and Wilmington grow with more communities, and Hampstead is a part of that,” Gale says. “Hanover County is about 96% built out at this point, so any growth that can happen is in Hampstead and beyond.” Salters Haven still has lots available for buyers wanting custom-built homes.
Being so close to the water can pose a flood risk, primarily for homes along waterways. Hurricanes have caused flooding for homes and roads in the past, particularly Hurricane Florence in 2018 and Hurricane Ian in 2022. The rainiest season often lasts from June to October, usually referred to as hurricane season on the East Coast.
Hampstead has gorgeous craftsman home styles with striking architectural detail.
Find charming Cape Cod style homes with spacious lawns in Hampstead.
Hampstead has coastal style waterside homes with private docks and access to the waterways.
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Fishing and relaxing at Topsail Beach
Residents don’t have to travel far from home to find a place to enjoy the outdoors. Surf City and Topsail Beach are roughly 13 miles north with public access to 26 miles of sandy shoreline. There’s also Hampstead Marina for boaters who want to spend a day fishing. Hampstead Kiwanis Park is popular for recreational basketball and seasonal events, like Pender County’s Easter egg hunt. Pender County recently broke ground on upgrades for the park, which will include new athletic courts, a multipurpose field and walkways.
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office responds to calls in Hampstead. According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation's 2023 report, Pender County as a whole had a lower crime rate than the state.
Surf City and Topsail Beach near Hampstead has miles of sandy beach and easy access for residents.
Hampstead Marina is a private marina with memberships to take your boat out fishing on the waterways.
Kids love the fun playground at Hampstead Kiwanis Park in Hampstead.
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Pender County Schools draw in new residents
Schools in Hampstead are a driving factor for the area. Pender County Schools gets a B-plus from Niche. South Topsail Elementary School, which gets an A-minus, is within Hampstead’s city limits, but students often bus out to Topsail to attend middle and high school. Topsail Montessori is the only private school in town, and it’s currently unrated by Niche.
Topsail Elementary School is a public school serving students in grades PK, K-4 in Hampstead.
Topsail Middle School is a public school, serves grades 5-8 in Hampstead.
Topsail High School in Hampstead is a public high school in the Pender County School District.
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Highway 17 is the main commercial hallway in town
Hampstead’s churches, restaurants and small shopping centers border Highway 17. The destinations range from locally owned restaurants that serve American classics and seafood dishes to small boutiques that neighbor grocery stores. There are more shopping centers in Wilmington, which is 15 miles south when driving down the highway.
Many residents commute to Wilmington or Jacksonville for work. “We get a lot of people who are in the military and work in Jacksonville," Gale says. "They work farther out, but they like being close to Wilmington.” Driving on Highway 17 often means dealing with heavy traffic, because Hampstead’s rapid growth has caused congestion on the main commuter route. Driving is the sole way to get around town and visit nearby cities. The Hampstead Bypass is currently under construction and aims to make commuting easier. The first half of the project is scheduled to finish in 2026, and the second half will be done around 2030.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hampstead is a place for families to worship.
Sawmill Grill in Hampstead is a popular family restaurant locals go to for great seafood.
Hampstead residents shop for all of their grocery needs at the Lowes Foods of Hampstead.
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Celebrating spot fish and community
Hampstead is known as the “Seafood Capital of the Carolinas” for its access to waterways and the Atlantic Ocean. Spots are one of the most common types of fish in Hampstead and the town created the North Carolina Spots Festival, a two-day event filled with live music, beer gardens, performances from student bands and spot fish dinners. The festival has been a tradition since 1963.
Hampstead is well known for being the seafood capital of the Carolinas.
Hampstead is popular for its beautiful waterways and scenic beaches nearby.
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Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Matt Jones,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hampstead, NC sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Hampstead, NC over the last 12 months is $490,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 530 Poppleton Drive in beautiful Hampstead! Situated on over half an acre, this well-maintained home offers the perfect combination of space, comfort, and coastal convenience. An expansive front yard provides excellent curb appeal, while the attached two-car garage offers plenty of room for parking, storage, and hobbies. A standout feature of the home is the large screened-in back
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the desirable Belvedere Plantation community, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and coastal living. Filled with tons of natural light, the open-concept split floor plan is designed for easy living and features a formal dining area and spacious great room with a cozy gas fireplace and access
Ask about a 5.99% rate! Surrounded by a forest-like setting that feels like your own private cabin, this custom-built home sits in the heart of Hampstead within a waterfront community, all with the freedom of no HOA. Built by the owner and beautifully maintained, it's ready to be passed on to its next chapter.Set on an elevated .85-acre lot, this 3-bedroom brick ranch offers privacy, space,
Welcome to refined coastal living in the sought-after Sanctuary at Forest Sound. Located just 10 minutes outside of Wilmington and about 20 Minutes to Topsail. This thoughtfully designed Sea Breeze II plan blends comfort, style, and functionality across more than 2,700 square feet built by Hardison Building.From the moment you step inside, the home offers an inviting flow ideal for both
Welcome home to 638 Ravenswood Road, situated on a full acre in the sought-after Olde Point community! This exceptionally appointed property offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, blending comfort, flexibility, and standout entertaining spaces you won't find just anywhere. Step inside to a thoughtfully designed layout featuring two full kitchens -- perfect for multigenerational living, an in-law
Welcome to 530 Poppleton Drive in beautiful Hampstead! Situated on over half an acre, this well-maintained home offers the perfect combination of space, comfort, and coastal convenience. An expansive front yard provides excellent curb appeal, while the attached two-car garage offers plenty of room for parking, storage, and hobbies. A standout feature of the home is the large screened-in back
Tucked away on a private 1.25-acre homesite in the sought-after Pelican Reef community, this is the kind of property buyers wait for--and rarely find. Set along the marsh with sweeping views of Virginia Creek, the home offers a level of privacy and natural beauty that's becoming increasingly hard to come by. Mornings unfold slowly here, with coffee on the porch as the marsh comes to life, and
Priced below recent appraised value, this home offers something buyers are having a hard time finding--a newer home where the work is already done. Instead of spending your weekends replacing flooring, painting walls, or updating someone else's choices, you can spend them enjoying your own home. Fire up the grill on the patio, sip your morning coffee on the covered back porch, let the dog run in
Less mowing. More living. Whether your weekends involve a boat ramp, the beach, or absolutely nothing at all, this Hampstead home gives you more time to enjoy them. Built in 2022, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home was designed for real life. The open floor plan keeps everyone connected, while the upstairs bonus room gives you the flexibility every home seems to need these days. Home office? Movie room?
Up to a $3,000 credit with use of preferred lender Sarah Newsome, Integrity Home Mortgage Corp Available for Showings starting 6/14. More photos to come! Farm life, privacy, and an abundance of possibilities await in the heart of Hampstead. Tucked away at the end of a private road, this unique property offers a peaceful retreat, made of two lots Tract 5&6, creating 5.04 acres total, featuring two
Welcome to Lot 5 in Delamar, a rare opportunity to build your dream home in one of Hampstead's newest luxury waterfront communities. This beautiful .29-acre homesite is framed by gorgeous mature oak trees, creating a private and picturesque setting for your future coastal retreat. Located within the gated community of Delamar, this homesite offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, upscale
Looking for an affordable coastal lifestyle in Hampstead near the Topsail Beaches? Look no more---we have the perfect property for you! This 2000 model manufactured home in Groves Point has recently been painted, had solar panels installed to greatly reduce electricity bill, butcher block countertops, updated cabinetry and windows, and updates to floors and bathrooms as well. Move in ready.
Just 3 miles from the Surf City Bridge and Topsail Island's beautiful beaches, 131 Poplar Branch Way offers the perfect blend of coastal convenience and everyday comfort. Ideally situated between Wilmington and Jacksonville, this home is located in the sought-after Poplar Branch community, complete with neighborhood sidewalks and easy access to local dining, shopping, Publix, and two free Surf
A value-add opportunity in one of coastal North Carolina's fastest-growing corridors. This 1,524 sq ft, 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home sits on nearly a full acre in Hampstead's Sloop Point area, just 15 minutes from Surf City's beaches and 30 minutes from both Wilmington and Jacksonville. With no HOA restrictions, an investor has full flexibility to renovate, hold as a rental, or reposition
Oscar Garcia
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
Tucked within the gated waterfront community of Eagle's Watch, this beautiful wooded homesite offers the rare opportunity to build your custom dream home surrounded by nature, privacy, and coastal charm. Framed by mature hardwoods and positioned on a quiet interior street, the lot provides an ideal canvas for creating a home that complements both your lifestyle and the natural beauty that defines
Whitebridge Crossing is an exciting, brand-new apartment-style community in Hampstead, North Carolina. Discover chic living with our selection of stylish townhomes and spacious cottages nestled in the heart of Scotts Hill. Experience boutique resort-style living at Whitebridge Crossing! With just 125 homes, we offer a more intimate, personalized living experience that sets us apart. Our
Welcome to Hawthorne at the Bend, where comfort, convenience, and community come together. Our one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes feature spacious layouts designed to fit your lifestyle, complemented by exceptional amenities and outstanding resident service. Located in the heart of Hampstead, NC, you'll enjoy easy access to local shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. Discover why
Welcome to Hampstead Place, located in the seafood capital of the Carolina! Our open-concept studio and two-bedroom floor plans add a contemporary twist of comfort and style. Experience it all with home features that include refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves for meal preparations.All renderings and/or images used are for illustrative purposes only and are intended as a general
Welcome to Palisades at Surf City Apartments — the pinnacle of elegant, modern living in Hampstead, North Carolina.Our thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartments showcase sophisticated interiors with upscale finishes and contemporary flair. Each home features soaring nine-foot ceilings, spacious walk-in closets, and private balconies that invite you to relax in style.Experience
Introducing Hawthorne at Hampstead, a brand-new luxury community in Hampstead, North Carolina. Choose from our 1, 2, 3, or 4- bedroom apartments and cottage homes , featuring designer finishes and no detail left untouched. You'll also have access to top-of-the-line resort-style amenities and a prime location.
Beautiful renovated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath unfurnished home in Hampstead. This residence offers flexible living with additional office/den space, ideal for working from home or a study area. Parking and storage are plentiful with a wired detached building, an additional detach garage plus a 2-car attached to home garage. Located in a community with no HOA and large acreage. Recent renovations
Hampstead - Wyndwater off Sloop Point Rd! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home sits at the end of S Wandering Lane with lined sidewalks. Spacious living room and family room with lots of natural light and view of the pond. Enjoy the afternoon sunset from the back porch. Washer and dryer are included. Updated kitchen with tons of storage. 2-car garage accommodates shelving and storage. Tenants would be
This beautifully appointed 4 BD/3.5 BA executive home is on a large corner lot in Sparrows Bend. The main level features an open layout with bright and air rooms. The living includes a cozy fireplace flanked by windows, and flows seamlessly to the kitchen and dining room. The center island anchors the kitchen which also includes granite counters, tile backsplash, full sized pantry, and
Colin O'ConnellReal Property Management Champion
$2,800 per month
Beautiful renovated 3 bed, 1.5 bath unfurnished home located in Hampstead
Beautiful renovated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath unfurnished home in Hampstead. This residence offers flexible living with additional office/den space, ideal for working from home or a study area. Parking and storage are plentiful with a wired detached building, an additional detach garage plus a 2-car attached to home garage. Located in a community with no HOA and large acreage. Recent renovations
Bay Harbor - Large Backyard, Two Fully Wired Sheds, Public Boat Ramp within 2 MilesMarketing Description''''Half off first full month of Rent'''' BAY HARBOR3 Bedrooms / 2 BathroomsPets Permitted with Monthly Pet Fee Property Features:- Within 2 miles of public boat ramp- Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout- Kitchen includes stainless-steel appliances and bonus cabinet
Mary Faye LindsayT & S Rentals LLC
$2,950 per month
Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 Bath unfurnished home located in Songbird Landing Community - Hampstead
Discover this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Hampstead, NC, situated on a cul-de-sac with a pleasant pond view. The layout includes a master suite with a walk-in closet and a walk-in shower, plus a tray ceiling that adds architectural interest. The kitchen offers a pantry for added storage. Outside, enjoy the convenience of a 2-car garage, sidewalks and street lights for added neighborhood
Welcome to this charming, two-story townhome in Olde Point Villas. This lovely three-bedroom, two-bath townhome offers the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. Located in the heart of Hampstead, the home features a detached garage and a cozy wood burning fireplace. The sizable primary suite provides ease and privacy, with some nice natural light. Not far from Topsail Island beaches and
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